Top Foursquare Bar Check-Ins In Minneapolis

May 26, 2011 8:45 AM

While Facebook and Twitter are still all the rage today, if you are not “checking in” then you are not as tech savvy and connected to social media as you think. When meeting up with friends at a bar, if the first thing you say to them before hello is, “wait let me check in” then you are part for the millions of connected foursquare users. Downtown Minneapolis saw a huge jump in check-ins in 2010. Here are the top five bar check-ins (as of May 24).

(credit: CBS)

1.) First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry

Since 1970, the downtown area has been home to First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry, showcasing must see musical and entertainment acts in the Twin Cities. Its popularity is clearly proven by the over 8300 total foursquare check-ins. If you are lucky enough to unlock the mayor’s badge for First Ave., you’ll have earned a free drink ticket for every check-in, but limit is one per day. Not that anyone needs another reason to head over to First Ave. to see the amazing musical acts, but it can’t help.

2.) Kieran’s Irish Pub

Located just down the street from First Ave. and directly across from the Target Center helps Kieran’s Irish Pub to rank second in foursquare check-ins with just sky of 6,000 total. The draw of daily happy hour deals from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and live music on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9:30 p.m. is only part of the reason why Kieran’s is so popular. During football season, Kieran’s serves as “Your Dome Away From Home” showing all Vikings away games on the 160-inch HD TV, so that probably also helps their popularity and check-in totals.

(Credit: the-local.com)

3.) The Local

A hotspot for all soccer (OK, football) and rugby games, The Local gives you the lure and luck of the Irish in Minneapolis. With over 5600 check-ins on foursquare and eight different sections of the bar, we can see why they are third on the list. Come in any time of the day to enjoy fine foods, a draft of Guinness or a smooth glass of whiskey. You can follow them on Twitter to find out about happy hour deals, game schedules and more.

(credit: britspub.com)

4.) Brit’s Pub & Eating Establishment

Well the name should give it away, but in case you didn’t realize it, Brit’s Pub is a London-like pub in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. No doubt the recent World Cup helped to push their foursquare check-ins to close to 5500 but it’s also their large selection of beer and great fish and chips that keeps everyone coming back for more. They don’t offer any sort of prize or giveaway for being the mayor but you can still follow them on Twitter to find out about drink deals and events.

(credit: thebulldognortheast.com)

5.) The Bulldog – Northeast

Rounding out the top five of our list is The Bulldog Northeast named (by just about everyone in the Minneapolis area) best bar, best beer selection, best burgers; the list goes on and on. It’s a wonder why they don’t have more than 5200 total check-ins, besides daily $1 off happy hour deals for drinks you can also get $2 off all appetizers. Make sure to order the tater tots if you haven’t already had them, some say they are to die for, that might be a bit dramatic but we like it all the same. And unlocking the mayor badges gets you some sweet deals, who doesn’t need a beer opener dog tag and free drinks?

Do you think these top five foursquare check-in spots accurately represent the nightlife scene in Minneapolis? What do you think should be on the list?